Hit Me Hard & Soft Tour: Best Moments from Billie Eilish at Kia Forum
Discover the unforgettable moments from Billie Eilish’s remarkable penultimate U.S. concert, featuring a heartwarming family reunion and a stunning rendition of a Christmas classic.
HENRY HWU @HENRYHWU
On the evening of Friday, December 20, Billie Eilish took the stage for the second-to-last show of her highly anticipated five-night series at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. This performance not only marked a significant milestone as part of her global Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, but it also served as the final U.S. concert before the tour resumes in Brisbane, Australia on February 18. Fans eagerly gathered to witness this iconic event, and Eilish was ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Despite a recent battle with laryngitis, which she openly discussed with the audience, Billie Eilish showcased her incredible vocal talent throughout the evening. Opening for her was the talented Ashnikko, but it was Eilish who truly captivated the crowd with her flawless performances. She effortlessly sang through a comprehensive setlist of beloved tracks, including fan favorites like “Ocean Eyes,” “Bury a Friend,” and “Birds of a Feather.” While Charli XCX was not present for the duet “Guess,” her absence did not diminish the excitement in the arena as Eilish brought another surprise collaborator onstage, much to the delight of her fans.
Billie Eilish proved her versatility as a performer, seamlessly transitioning from high-energy anthems like “Bad Guy,” “Oxytocin,” and “Lunch” to emotional ballads such as “When the Party’s Over,” “Wildflower,” and the critically acclaimed “What Was I Made For?” This latter song, which has garnered both Grammy and Oscar awards, stood out as a vocal highlight of the night, showcasing Eilish’s remarkable range and emotional depth. The atmosphere was electric as she connected with the audience of 17,000, creating a warm and intimate environment despite the massive crowd.
Below, discover six major highlights from Billie Eilish’s exhilarating performance, along with a complete setlist from this memorable evening.
-
Billie Overcomes Vocal Challenges with Brilliance
At the start of the show, after effortlessly performing several songs, Eilish candidly shared with the audience her ongoing struggle with laryngitis, which she had been dealing with for weeks. “I’ve basically had laryngitis for like four weeks. And that sucks,” she admitted. However, her voice remained clear and strong as she continued with her set, delivering 17 more songs with impeccable skill, proving her resilience and dedication to her craft.
-
A Heartwarming Family Reunion on Stage
Billie’s older brother, Finneas, known for his artistic partnership and as her “favorite person in the world,” made a special appearance on stage. Eilish noted the bittersweet nature of this moment, as it marked the first tour where Finneas wasn’t part of the lineup. Together, they performed three heartfelt songs: “I Love You,” “Skinny,” and “TV.” During their performance of “TV,” the audience joined in a cathartic sing-along, chanting the mantra, “Maybe I’m the problem,” creating a powerful connection between the siblings and their fans. Finneas is scheduled to open for Eilish on her final night of the series.
-
Creating a Magical Holiday Atmosphere
As the holiday season approached, Eilish embraced the festive spirit by performing a stunning version of “Silent Night.” This moment added a touch of magic to the evening, reminding fans of the joy of the upcoming holiday. Throughout her L.A. run, Eilish has shared her love for Christmas music, having previously performed other classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of her concerts.
-
A Moment of Silence for Artistic Expression
In a unique artistic moment, Eilish invited her audience to participate in a minute of silence before performing “When the Party’s Over.” She explained the importance of this silence, stating, “Basically, all that has to happen is for the first minute of the song, there needs to be complete silence in the room because I’m gonna be using a live loop.” The audience complied, creating a breathtaking atmosphere of quiet anticipation, setting the stage for the hauntingly beautiful sounds of her voice layered over the live loop, showcasing her innovative performance style.
-
Billie Shines as a Guitar Virtuoso
In a memorable moment towards the end of the concert, Eilish took on a rockstar persona during her performance of “Happier Than Ever.” She showcased her growing guitar skills by playing a Fender Telecaster, which added a dynamic flair to the song. The performance was further enhanced with captivating pyrotechnics, transforming the arena into a vibrant spectacle. Fans were left in awe, dubbing her “Billie Van Halen” for her impressive display of talent and showmanship.
-
Innovative Use of Visuals with Go Pro
Eilish delighted her fans with the creative use of a Go Pro-style camera, which was connected to the massive arena screens. This innovative approach allowed her to film herself while performing iconic tracks like “Bad Guy” and “Bury a Friend.” The playful element added a personal touch to the show, making it feel intimate and engaging. It was a rare sight to see a superstar like Eilish having fun with a camera onstage, breaking down barriers between artist and audience, and fostering a sense of connection that resonated throughout the concert.
-
Complete Setlist from the Kia Forum Night 4 Concert
The setlist for this electrifying concert included:
Chihiro
Lunch
NDA
Therefore I Am
Wildflower
When the Party’s Over
The Diner
Ilomilo
Bad Guy
The Greatest
I Love You
Skinny
TV
Bury a Friend
Oxytocin
Guess
Everything I Wanted
Lovely
Ocean Eyes
Silent Night
L’amour De Ma Vie
What Was I Made For?
Happier Than Ever
Birds of a Feather
